Enjoy exciting deals and surprises at Araneta City’s Black Friday Sale!

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Get up to 70% off on items (and more!) from November 26 to 30

Are you getting a headstart in your Holiday shopping this Black Friday? Well, the City of Firsts is the place to be for amazing deals and surprises!

Happening from November 26 to 30, 2021, enjoy up to 70% off on some of the most in-demand items from the brands you love the most in Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, and The SM Store.

“Get ahead of the Christmas rush by doing your gift shopping as early as now,” said Marjorie Go, Araneta City’s Assistant Vice President for Marketing. “Araneta City and our partner brands are bringing some exciting deals on some of your favorite apparel, footwear, and tech products. You’ll surely complete your Holiday list here at the City of Firsts during our Black Friday Sale!”

Can’t go out to shop? We got you covered with Araneta City’s ASK ARA personal shopper service. Just message Ara on Facebook, and enjoy a FREE DELIVERY treat when you do your online shopping on November 26.

But for those who’ll drop by our malls, you get to enjoy an extra treat: score freebies by just exchanging your receipts! For every ₱3,000 single-receipt purchase, you’ll get a special black box containing cool Araneta City merchandise collectibles. Head to the mall concierge of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza for this surprise.

Apart from the discounts and freebies, shoppers may also check out the cool neon lighted wall panels at the activity area of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza. This is surely the perfect spot to get some hip IG-worthy snaps and glowing TikTok videos for Black Friday Sale.

And to make your TikTok posts more rewarding, Araneta City is holding a TikTok Challenge! It’s very simple: follow Araneta City on TikTok, create a dance video at our neon lighted wall, and post it! Don’t forget to tag Araneta City and use the hashtag #AranetaCityBlackFridaySale. Three lucky winners will win a cash prize and gift certificates from Pizza Hut!

Araneta City malls have been awarded the Safety Seal certificates, proving their exemplary and strict implementation of health standards. Enjoy a safe Black Friday experience only at the City of Firsts!

Araneta City is managed by ACI Inc, one of the five business units of the Araneta Group of Companies. With a long history of pioneer business ventures, the progressive and diversified Araneta Group is anchored on property development, food service, leisure and entertainment, and hospitality. Visit the Araneta Group's official website for more details.

For updates on Araneta City, visit its official website, or follow it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tiktok. Download the Araneta City mobile app on Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) to get the latest on promos and events.

SM Supermalls prioritizes MSMEs through its ongoing SM StartUp Package offering

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The recent launch of SM Supermalls’ SM Start-Up Package has ignited new hope and inspiration for MSMEs in the country, most especially those affected by the pandemic and prolonged lockdowns.

The SM StartUp Package gives 100 MSMEs with ongoing online businesses the opportunity to receive the necessary support they need to set up their first physical stall in one of 13 high-traffic SM malls nationwide.

Considered the backbone of the economy, MSMEs account for 99.5% of all enterprises and employ 63.2% of the labor force as of the end of 2018 per a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report. In SM alone, almost 70% of their partners are MSMEs, many of which were start-ups that found success in SM malls.

“We have a 60-year legacy with MSMEs. Our founder Mr. Henry Sy, or ‘Tatang’ as we fondly call him, started as one,” SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said. “In 1958, he opened his first shop, ShoeMart. From one store in Quiapo, SM now has 77 malls all across the Philippines—and we are still growing.”

The SM StartUp Package was launched via a virtual event on Oct. 15. Hosted by (upper L-R) Sam YG, SM tenant-partners fashion designer Patty Ang of athleisure brand Patton and young e-commerce entrepreneur Jerald Sze of Straightforward talked about their experiences as MSME owners. Offering valuable advice were (middle L-R) Department of Trade and Industry Asec. Mary Jean T. Pacheco, SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, and BDO Network Bank SVP & MSME Business Head Karen Cua. Also present were (lower L-R) SM Supermalls AVP of Leasing Strategy & Operations Gina T. Katigbak, BDO FVP of Merchant Partnerships Retail Sales Head Bob Tolentino, and SM Supermalls VP of Corporate Marketing Grace F. Magno

Tan recounted that aside from perseverance, Mr. Sy had help from family and friends when he built and expanded his business. “Tatang did not forget the people who helped him become successful. He paid it forward and gave the same help to other start-up businesses, often personally inviting them to locate in SM. Their eventual success was his success,” he said.

This pay-it-forward practice and mindset lives on through the SM StartUp Package. The past year and a half proved especially challenging for MSMEs as many were forced to temporarily close and cut off staff during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many from the workforce became resilient entrepreneurs who started their own online businesses to provide for their families.

With the SM StartUp Package, MSME owners who have ongoing online businesses can register and will be given the support they need to set up their first physical store in one of 13 high-traffic SM malls nationwide. This includes perks like startup-friendly rental rates, free use of kiosks, access to financial assistance through BDO Net Bank, marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside the malls, as well as giving them a prime location within the mall.

The SM StartUp Package also highlights the crucial role that MSMEs play in helping the country back to economic recovery. Last year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded more than 920,000 new business name registrations where 532,000 accounted for retail sellers in sari-sari stores. This is followed by over 88,000 e-commerce sellers who opted for online platforms to reach out to customers amid lockdown restrictions.

DTI Asec. of Digital Philippines and E-Commerce Lead Jean Pacheco emphasized at the SM StartUp Press Briefing that while online selling can be effective, having onground channels are still an ideal way to fast-track an MSME’s growth. “We know that Filipinos like to browse and see items firsthand, and talk to sellers face-to-face when buying, so it’s important to have brick-and-mortar stores. An MSME should aim to be omnichannel, a combination of your physical store and your online platform, so you can reach more consumers.”

“I know that many are looking forward to setting up a physical store, but in need of help — the same help Tatang gave to entrepreneurs in his time. As our way of giving back, we would like to continue Mr. Henry Sy’s legacy of extending a hand to start-ups and making it easy to set up shop at our high-traffic malls. All you need is a great concept and the willingness to work hard to succeed.” Tan said.

Categories open for tenancy are Health and Wellness, Home Hobbies and At-Home Experiences, Smart Gadgets for Productivity, Functional Fashion and Comfort Food.

To find out how to be part of the SM StartUp Markets nationwide, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow the link to the Start-Up Package webpage, or email startup@smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to find out how to sign up now for the SM StartUp Package.

iQiyi & ABS-CBN Partnership to produce content for global audiences

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iQiyi and ABS-CBN’s highly-anticipated first Filipino local originals “Saying Goodbye” and “Hello, Heart” will premiere this December

• Exclusive and Free on the  iQiyi APP AND www.iQ.com

• Starring this Generation’s Brightest and Most-Sought Talents Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin, Gigi De Lana, Gerald Anderson

• The Exclusive Titles will be iQiyi’s First Local Originals in Southeast Asia

• Available Worldwide Exclusive on the iQiyi app and www.iQ.com for Free across 191 Territories

Global streaming service iQiyi, a leading provider of beloved pan-Asian content worldwide seals a multi-title content deal with ABS-CBN, a leading Philippine media and entertainment company to produce four Filipino original romantic series for its international subscribers worldwide.

The partnership fortifies the commitments of both companies in bringing high-quality, relatable and inspiring Philippine content with universal themes while championing the Filipino talents and stories onto the global stage. Coupled with ABS-CBN’s unrivaled creative capability on content production and with its seasoned pool of talents, the exclusive partnership enhances iQiyi’s extensive and growing library of Asian content from Japan, South Korea, Greater China, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia available across 191 territories.

"We are thrilled to partner with iQiyi for its first Filipino local original series as we continue to tell meaningful stories and champion Filipino talent. Through their technology and our expertise in content creation and production, we strive to bring excellent Filipino content to local and international audiences and subscribers of iQiyi," said ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast, Cory Vidanes.

“This partnership reflects both iQiyi and ABS-CBN’s shared vision in showcasing Filipino talent and bringing it to the global stage. What the C- and K-dramas have taught us is that there is a global hunger to see more of that Asian talent, beauty and culture. And with this world class, multi-title partnership with ABS-CBN, iQiyi is proud to present amazing productions from the Philippines to audiences across iQiyi's 191 territories worldwide. There is a place for us in the global spotlight and it's time for the Philippines to shine,” says iQiyi country manager, Sherwin dela Cruz.

The partnership between iQiyi and ABS-CBN will produce the multi-title Filipino originals that will be top-billed by this generation’s multi-talented and most-sought actors and streamed exclusively on the iQiyi app and www.iQ.com.

Debuting on December 4, 8 PM is “Saying Goodbye,” starring Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin, also known to millions of fans around the world as #SethDrea. They will take on the roles of Elise and Ricky, whose paths fatefully cross at an old record store fighting over the same album of their beloved artist. Their first meeting turns into an enduring friendship that will take them to an adventure like no other as they try to fulfill the bucket list of Ricky, who has a heart disease since childhood. The series also features the newly formed loveteam of Andi Abaya and Kobie Brown.

Meanwhile, K-drama fans should watch out for “Hello, Heart,” which premieres on December 15, 8PM. Starring YouTube’s phenomenal star Gigi De Lana alongside Gerald Anderson, one of the nation’s busiest leading man to-date, the romantic comedy follows Heart, a beautiful, perky and hardworking woman but is very unlucky in life. Her life starts to turn around upon meeting Saul, an emotionless, business-as-usual guy who hires her to pretend to be his wife to please his grandmother with dementia. Gigi performs the series’ official theme song, Roselle Nava’s “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita,” which she covered in a video that went viral online.

Also revealed during the media conference is the teaser trailer of “Lyric and Beat” coming soon in 2022. This romantic musical series starring Andrea Brillantes, Seth Fedelin, Darren Espanto and AC Bonifacio is set at the backdrop of Philippine National Conservatory of Music where the best and misfit students are pitted against each other for the right to represent the school in the prestigious National Music Competition. The series will also star Nyoy Volante, Agot Isidro, Joanna Ampil, Sheena Belarmino, Jeremy Glinoga, and Angela Ken.

At the heels of iQiyi’s Original and Exclusive recent hit titles such as “Danger Zone,” “Ferryman: The Legends of Nanyang,” “Unforgettable Love,” “My Roommate is a Gumiho” and “Jirisan”, the latest Filipino series “Saying Goodbye” and “Hello, Heart” that will soon be available on iQiyi and www.iQ.com heralds a major milestone for Filipino content and talents to be easily accessible globally.

Follow iQiyi Philippines on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iQIYIphilippines

Instagram: @iqiyiphilippines

Twitter: @iQIYIph

TikTok: iqiyi_philippines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0HGAvtBGdvD9fKG_hH-uqA

About iQiyi

Headquartered in Singapore, iQiyi International is an on-demand video streaming service providing beloved pan-Asian entertainment to international viewers. Offering both ad-supported and VIP subscription services, iQiyi delivers premium drama series, movies, variety shows, and anime; with local languages and subtitles; powered by cutting-edge technology. iQiyi also makes its technology available to other entertainment services through SaaS partnerships. iQiyi can be enjoyed on any device via iQ.com and the app. iQiyi International (app) is owned by iQiyi, Inc. (Nasdaq: IQ).

#GPaRinAngPasko Bringing to Life Filipino Christmas Traditions with SB19 and GCash

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Shop and get the best holiday deals, share love and pamasko from across the globe or anywhere in the Philippines and win exciting prizes!

Filipinos have always considered Christmas as the grandest fiesta. For a community that celebrates the longest Christmas in the world, the usual grand family reunions, public palooza and exchange of holiday greetings after the Simbang Gabi have been sorely missed since last year.

This year, GCash, the undisputed leading financial app in the Philippines, is bringing us a lot of reasons to celebrate the merriest season in a truly Filipino way wherever you or your loved ones are in the Philippines or even the world.

GCash is teaming up with proudly Filipino P-Pop group SB19 in ushering the merriest season with ‘G Pa Rin Ang Pasko,’ a catchy holiday jingle that hopes to inspire Filipinos to keep the spirit of Christmas alive because amidst all the challenges we’ve all encountered this year, #LifeIsG as you share the experience of your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions with your family and friends through GCash.

SB19, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to be nominated in Billboard Music Awards for the Top Social Artist category, is bringing their charm and world-class talent in inspiring us to continue long-standing traditions that make Christmas uniquely ours with a safe, secure and rewarding app that Filipinos trust.

#GPaRinAngPasko with GCash

From celebrating Noche Buena to attending Simbang Gabi and getting ‘pamasko’ from Ninangs and Ninongs, GCash makes it possible to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way. With over 50 million users, GCash makes shopping for gifts and groceries and sending cash easy, secure and rewarding.

As SB19 says throughout the song, “G Pa Rin ang Pasko” with GCash as it offers a convenient way of shopping, gifting and giving without having to go through the common scenarios of the Christmas rush -- long queues at the ATM, to-and-fro when scouting for the perfect gifts and the dreaded Christmas traffic jam.

GCash Tiangge

From Nov. 22 to Dec. 15, users can experience the usual holiday shopping thrill and get exclusive discounts and promos with the GCash Tiangge. Much like the usual Christmas bazaars and fairs, you can buy your gifts and self-treats from small and medium enterprises but exciting deals and seamless and flexible payment options. OFWs who want to send gifts and Noche Buena packages to their loved ones can also shop directly through the GLife feature of the GCash app and have the items sent anywhere in the country.

Send Love, Send Pamasko

The Filipino Christmas tradition of gift-giving will also come alive, whether it’s for the people we hold dear or for causes we are passionate about. With Send Pamasko via GLife, GCash users can send donations to participating charities with just a few taps. Users can also spread the word by using special themes created by partner charities when they Send with a Clip.

While you used to ask for ‘pamasko’ from family members personally, GCash is now giving you the option to instantly send money to your loved ones anywhere in the country or across the globe -- perfect for Noche Buena or even as a practical way of showing love.

Shake it Up, Light it Up

Of course, no Filipino Christmas tradition will be complete without the parol, or traditional Christmas lanterns. GCash users are in for a treat when they collect parols through the app. Daily vouchers from partners will be up for grabs and over 5,000 winners will get GCash Pamasko and prizes. To top it all up, one lucky GCash user will get a chance to become a GCash millionaire.

The More, The Merrier

GCash invites everyone to sing along to SB19 by creating their own rendition of the G Pa Rin ang Pasko jingle. Catch the release of G Pa Rin sa Pasko on YouTube, TikTok and Spotify.

Join in on the festive mood and keep the Christmas spirit going with SB19 and GCash here: https://youtu.be/4w7Z3LbCB4M

 

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.

 

 

adobo Video Fest 2021 searches for best, most engaging videos on Facebook Watch through heavyweight jury

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Multi-awarded director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, Globe Studios head Quark Henares, and cinematographer Lee Meily-Briones join ABS CBN’s Richard Reynante, GMA Network’s Butch San Agustin, Viva’s Raul Calalang, and Regal Entertainment’s Roselle Monteverde in a panel with industry heavyweights.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The adobo Video Fest 2021, which celebrates the creators and publishers behind the most original, most addictive, and most creative Pinoy content on Facebook Watch, officially opened entries to online creators and publishers last November 15.

Organized by adobo Magazine and presented by Facebook Watch, the first-ever adobo Video Fest 2021 is a festival that recognizes the best and most entertaining Pinoy content that have been uploaded to everyone’s favorite social media platform — aka, “Entertainment We Watch.”

The adobo Video Fest is open to all Filipino content creators, as well as creators and publishers that are based in the Philippines. The contest accepts video entries free of charge under two categories: the Creators Category, for independent content creators; and the Publishers Category, which covers professional entities, including production companies, media outlets, film studios, and broadcast networks.

Hosted by Cat Triviño, the adobo Video Fest Launch shone the spotlight on its esteemed jury, composed of some of the biggest names in content and entertainment across creative industries today.

Leading the jury of industry heavyweights are Jury President is Globe Studios Head Quark Henares, Multi-awarded director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, cinematographer Lee Meily-Briones, multi-awarded director Marius Talampas, ABS CBN’s VP for Digital Content Publishing for Entertainment Richard Reynante, GMA Network’s VP for Digital Media Butch San Agustin, Viva’s VP of New Media Raul Calalang, Regal Entertainment’s VP and COO Roselle Monteverde, Blogapalooza CEO Ace Gapuz, President and CEO of Unitel Production Madonna Tarrayo, andGroup COO and Creative Strategist of Republic Group of Companie Bea Alfar Everdone.

“Video creation on Facebook Watch has turned into a conversation because it enables the real-time interaction between creators and their audiences,” adobo Video Fest 2021 Jury President Quark Henares said. “This two-way communication and collaboration leads to the creation of a community. Like the remix culture from the 80s where we get a song and remix it, creators today do their own riff of something viral which then becomes a dialogue between different creators, forming a community.

The adobo Video Fest is open to all Filipino content creators, as well as creators and publishers that are based in the Philippines. The contest accepts video entries free of charge under two categories: the Creators Category, for independent content creators; and the Publishers Category, which covers professional entities, including production companies, media outlets, film studios, and broadcast networks.

The deadline of entries is November 26, 2021.

Submission is free. Here’s how to enter your video for the adobo Video Fest 2021 presented by Facebook Watch:

1. VISIT adobo Video Fest presented by FB Watch to access category information, guidelines and entry form

2. DOWNLOAD the Entry Kit here

3. CHECK entry eligibility via our Submission Guidelines

4. SUBMIT your entry and receive confirmation by email within 48 hours. You may access the FORM here: https://forms.gle/geYnvKTYxaf8fQeEA